Blackburn suffer a Savage setback

Robbie Savage has handed Blackburn Rovers another injury blow. The former Welsh International had to be forced off in Rovers' 3-0 win over FC Basel on Thursday night with a thigh injury.

Savage now joins the lengthy injury list that includes long term injury casualties Ryan Nelsen, Steven Reid and Jason Roberts, leaving experienced cover in many areas very thin on the ground.

The injury, similar to the one that forced Savage out of the recent Carling Cup game with Chelsea and then the following Premiership encounter with West Ham United (a match suspension meant he would have missed anyway) is expected to be likely to keep him out for around a month. Speaking on Radio Rovers Savage said:

"It is the same problem that forced me off against Bolton. I felt great in training the last few days but there's nothing like a game and as soon as I planted my foot I just felt it go again and this time I think it is going to be a bit longer.

"I felt a sharp pain, like a knife going in my thigh. I suppose in the past I've been lucky with injuries but maybe it is my turn. It'll certainly be longer than ten days this time, maybe three to four weeks.

"It is a crucial time for us, and we've got some tough games coming up and games that I want to be involved with, but it will be a chance for someone else to come in, maybe Aaron and I wish him well."

Savages' absence is almost certain to open the door for Aaron Mokoena with other midfield options very limited to Mark Hughes. Other than shuffling his pack if Mokoena isn't used then a youngster will have to come in from the academy or reserve sides and this isn't likely as the pressure could prove too much.

Despite sitting out the most part of the tie Savage still found time to praise Tugay's goal and performance:

"I'll always admire Tugay, it was a great goal from a great person, not just as a footballer but as a person too. We make a good partnership and I think it showed again, he's a great character a great person and a legend as well.

"He's got a great strike on him, he does it in training all the time, he's a great player I just wish he was ten years younger.

"It was an enjoyable game to watch, it was an enjoyable game to play in."

What do we all make of this Savage setback? Are we happy with Mokoena coming in or is there another option that you would maybe like explored? Have your say below...

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